The United States is imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Brazil after finding a range of unfair trade practices by the world’s 10th-biggest economy.
Unfair Trade Practices
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative concluded after a yearlong investigation that Brazil had a range of unfair trade practices, including lax anti-corruption enforcement and unfair tariffs of its own, among other practices seen as unreasonable and unfair.
The tariffs, which were first proposed last month, will take effect July 22. The order exempts some goods that are not produced in the U.S. or that officials worry would disrupt supply chains. Exempted products include coffee, beef, oranges and orange juice, some oil and gas energy products and aerospace parts and components.
Response from Brazil
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reacted with indignation to the proposed tariffs, pointing to political considerations and blaming his rival in the country’s October elections, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that the action was necessary to ensure American workers and companies compete on a level playing field. “Extensive negotiations with Brazil over the past year have not resolved these issues, but we remain open to continuing negotiations with Brazil to bring about long-needed changes to the problems identified in this investigation,” he said.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
